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Apelin-13 regulates LPS-induced N9 microglia polarization involving STAT3 signaling pathway

Shouhong Zhou1, Xiaoxiao Guo1, Shanshan Chen1

  • 1Department of Physiology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.

Neuropeptides
|July 1, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Apelin-13 peptide reduces neuroinflammation by shifting microglia from M1 to M2 phenotypes. This mechanism involves regulating STAT3 signaling, offering potential therapeutic benefits for neurodegenerative diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Neurodegenerative diseases involve neuroinflammation driven by microglia activation.
  • Microglia exhibit M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotypes.
  • Apelin-13's neuroprotective effects are known, but its anti-neuroinflammatory mechanism is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if apelin-13 reduces neuroinflammation by modulating N9 microglia polarization.
  • To elucidate the specific molecular pathways involved in apelin-13's effects on microglia.

Main Methods:

  • N9 microglia were treated with apelin-13 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
  • Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay.
  • Microglial morphology, inflammatory markers (iNOS, IL-6, arg-1, IL-10), polarization markers (CD86, CD206), and STAT3 signaling were analyzed via Western blot and flow cytometry.

Main Results:

  • Apelin-13 (0.1 μM) did not affect N9 microglia viability.
  • Apelin-13 inhibited LPS-induced M1 microglia activation and promoted M2 phenotype.
  • Apelin-13 decreased pro-inflammatory factors (iNOS, IL-6) and increased anti-inflammatory factors (arg-1, IL-10).
  • Apelin-13 reduced M1 marker CD86 and increased M2 marker CD206 expression.
  • Apelin-13 suppressed p-STAT3 and the p-STAT3/t-STAT3 ratio in M1 microglia.

Conclusions:

  • Apelin-13 ameliorates neuroinflammation by promoting M1 to M2 microglial polarization.
  • The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of STAT3 signaling pathways.
  • Apelin-13 shows potential as a therapeutic agent for neuroinflammatory conditions.
Keywords:
Apelin-13Microglia polarizationN9 microgliaNeuroinflammationSTAT3

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